Denver Startup Week, birthday celebrations and more on this week's calendar

Denver Startup Week begins today and runs through October 27. The week-long celebration features over sixty interactive events exploring the rich history and potential of entrepreneurism in Denver -- including its ever-growing food scene. Check the website for a full schedule of events.

Here's a taste of what else is on this week's culinary menu:

Black Eye Coffee Shop

Monday, October 22 (continued):

The Young Nonprofit Professional Network presents Beer and Ballots this evening at The Tavern Downtown, 1949 Market Street. The free event begins at 5 p.m. with a discussion of this year's candidates and ballot initiatives, followed by a viewing party for the final presidential debate. Visit the website for more information.

Venice Ristorante, 5946 South Holly Street in Englewood, is offering a five-course, authentic Italian dinner prepared by chef Christian Delle Fave tonight at 5:30 p.m. The dinner will feature house-made lasagna and a petite veal braised with vegetables and wine. Tickets ate $115 and proceeds will benefit the Excelsior Youth Center's efforts to treat troubled adolescent girls; call the restaurant at 720-482-9191 for more information and to make reservations.

Souper Bowlder

Tuesday, October 23:

The Girl Scouts of Colorado are hosting a three-course dinner and fundraiser at the Sheraton Downtown Hotel, 1550 Court Place.The event costs $200 and will feature food and cocktails infused with Girl Scout Cookies, including Thin Mint martinis. Check the website for more details.

Wednesday, October 24:

Boulder Distillery, 2500 47th Street in Boulder, is hosting Souper Bowlder, a benefit for Boulder County AIDS Project tonight from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets to the party cost $25 and include a hand-made pottery bowl, soup from Snarf's, bread from Breadworks and live music. Spirits from the distillery will be available for purchase; visit the website for more information.

James Beard award-winning chef Ming Tsai will be signing copies of his latest cookbook, Simply Ming in Your Kitchen: 80 Recipes to Watch, Learn, Cook & Enjoy this evening at Tattered Cover, 2526 East Colfax Avenue. The event begins at 7:30 p.m.; call the bookstore at 303-322-7727 for details.

Thursday, October 25: Chef Ming Tsai joins chef Troy Guard in the kitchen at TAG, 1441 Larimer Street, tonight for a special five-course collaboration. The dinner costs $88 and includes a copy of Tsai's cookbook; paired wine and cocktails will be available for an additional $40. Call 303-996-9985 to reserve a seat, and visit TAG's Facebook page to view the menu.

Saturday, October 27:

Lola, 1575 Boulder Street, is celebrating ten years in business and six years in LoHi with brunch, a festive happy hour, live music and a carnival-inspired dinner today. Visit the restaurant's website for a full schedule of events and for tonight's menu.

West End Tavern, 926 Pearl Street in Boulder, is commemorating its 25th anniversary by tapping two special Colorado beers -- a wee heavy from BRU and a barrel-aged porter from Odell's. There will also be complimentary birthday cake and party favors, live music and prizes. Call the restaurant at 303-444-3535 for more information.

The second location of Marczyk's Fine Foods, 5100 East Colfax Avenue, is hosting its first annual fall neighborhood fair today. The festivities include fall-inspired food for sale (including cider donuts), a canning demo and contest for pumpkin carving, jams and jellies and pies. Call the market at 303-243-3355 for more details.

For information on dozens of culinary events around town, visit our online Food & Drink listings -- and if you have information for a culinary event you'd like included in our online calendar, send it to cafe@westword.com.